PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
September 15, 2019
Reverend Christopher D. Lucas has been found unsuitable for ministry based on a substantiated allegation that he sexually abused a minor in the early 1970s.
Today’s Announcement Regarding Reverend Christopher D. Lucas
In the fall of 2018, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia received an allegation that Reverend Christopher D. Lucas sexually abused a minor over 45 years ago. It was the first allegation of this kind lodged against Father Lucas. Father Lucas had neither been ordained nor had he yet entered a program of priestly formation when the abuse is reported to have occurred. In addition, the activity in question is alleged to have occurred when Father Lucas was himself a minor.
The allegation was referred to law enforcement on the same day it was received. The Archdiocese cooperated with authorities in the course of their work. No criminal charges were filed.
The required canonical (church) investigation of Father Lucas was launched after law enforcement declined to press charges. The Archdiocesan Office of Investigations (AOI) undertook that canonical process.
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